TRADE MANUFACTURING & SOURCING · SYDNEY & AUSTRALIA-WIDE
Roman Blind Styles & Construction for Sydney Trade
Choose the right Roman blind construction for your Sydney client, from flat and relaxed to London, Austrian, balloon, waterfall and pleated. Compare fold profiles, fabric allowances and raised stacks before approving manufacture. LuxAura makes the full range, with Sydney measuring and installation available.
Updated
- Trade supply only: no retail checkout or public price list
- Your fabric or LuxAura sourcing, with trims applied
- Replies within one business day, with delivery Australia-wide
- Trade samples can be viewed at our Alexandria address by appointment
Roman Blind Constructions Compared
Compare the lowered face, raised stack, fabric behaviour and approval points before choosing a construction.
Open the construction comparison
| Style | Look | Fabric and layout | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flat | Smooth lowered face. Straight horizontal folds when raised. | Standard allowance | Plain linen suits architectural schemes; prints suit English country interiors. Approve pattern placement lowered and raised. |
| Relaxed | Soft curved lower edge. | More fabric than flat, with a different lift layout | Approve a sewn sample when the fold profile is central to the design. |
| London | Inverted pleats form a soft swag, with pleated sides. | More fabric than flat, with a different lift layout | Specify raised height and retained decorative drop. |
| Austrian | Vertical gathers form scalloped festoons. | More fabric than flat, with a different lift layout | Specify raised height and retained decorative drop. |
| Balloon | Extra fullness gathers into soft rounded puffs. | Generous fabric and a fuller stack | Agree the fullness on a sewn sample. |
| Hobbled / waterfall | Permanent cascading folds, even when lowered. | Extra face fabric and a fuller stack | State the waterfall style on the order. |
| Pleated (box pleat) | Regular pleats across the width give a structured look. | Extra fabric for the pleats | Pleat size and stack depth are confirmed at quote stage. |
| Dual (day and night) | Two layers on one headrail, such as a sheer and blockout. | Fabric for both layers | Fabrics and controls are confirmed at quote stage. |
Flat Roman Blinds: Modern and English Country
A smooth lowered face lets the fabric and pattern lead. When raised, the fabric gathers into straight horizontal folds. Choose plain linen for architectural schemes or botanical prints for English country interiors.
- Record finished width and drop, not just opening size.
- Approve pattern placement at the lowered position and the raised stack.
- Choose face fabric and lining together; added layers change weight and folding.
Soft Styles: Relaxed, London, Austrian and Balloon
These are different constructions, not interchangeable names. Relaxed has a soft curved lower edge; London uses inverted pleats; Austrian gathers into festoons; balloon carries extra fullness in rounded puffs.
- Approve a sewn sample when the fold profile is central to the design.
- Soft styles usually need more fabric and a different lift layout from flat Romans.
- Specify the desired raised height and retained decorative drop.
- Agree balloon fullness on a sewn sample.
Hobbled / Waterfall Roman Blinds
Permanent cascading folds give a deeper, upholstered appearance even when the blind is lowered. This construction uses extra face fabric and creates a fuller stack.
- State the waterfall style on the order.
- Check the stack depth and additional fabric weight.
- Confirm whether a print should be continuous or visually repeated through the folds.
Pleated and Dual Roman Blinds
A pleated Roman has regular box pleats across the width. A dual Roman has two layers on one headrail, such as a sheer and a blockout, so light can be adjusted through the day.
- State the style on the order; these are not made as standard flat Romans.
- Confirm pleat size and stack depth at quote stage.
- For dual blinds, choose both fabrics and confirm the controls for each layer.
Roman Blind Hem Shapes
Hems can be straight, curved, scalloped or pointed. Other shapes can be made from a sketch. Agree the shape and depth on a scale drawing before cutting.
Open the hem-shape guide
| Hem | Look | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Straight | A clean, level lower edge. | The usual finish for flat and pleated styles. |
| Curved | A soft curve along the lower edge. | Agree the depth on a scale drawing. |
| Scalloped | Rounded scallops along the lower edge. | Agree scallop width and depth on a scale drawing. |
| Pointed | Points along the lower edge. | Agree point size and spacing on a scale drawing. |
Hems, Bands, Borders and Trims
Side bands, inset borders, centre bands, contrast hems and decorative trims develop a distinctive collection. Agree a scale drawing so widths and placements remain consistent across blind sizes.
- Give the band width, position and fabric on a scale drawing.
- Position trims away from moving components.
- Sample bulky seams and border intersections before production.
- Define face width, inset and finished band width separately.
Open the band, border and trim guide
| Placement | Look | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Hem band | Contrast band along the lower edge. | Check how it sits when raised. |
| Side bands | Contrast bands down both side edges. | Keep widths consistent across blind sizes. |
| Three-edge band | Band along both sides and the hem. | Sample corner intersections. |
| Inset border | Band set in from the edge. | Define inset and finished width separately. |
| Centre band | Vertical band down the middle. | Confirm it is straight and centred. |
| Horizontal band | Band across the width at a chosen height. | Check where it falls on the folds. |
| Piped edge | Fine corded edge along the hem and/or sides. | Specify edges and piping colour. |
| Fringe or braid | Fringe, braid or tape along the hem or face. | Match colour, scale and care; keep clear of moving parts. |
Choosing a Roman Blind Style for Sydney Rooms
These pairings are commonly specified. We confirm the final choice against the window, fabric and brief.
- Contemporary apartments and large glazing: a flat Roman in plain linen keeps clean lines. Windows wider than 2.3m are motorised.
- Federation and Victorian terraces: London and Austrian styles suit period rooms with sash windows.
- Coastal and relaxed family homes: a relaxed Roman in natural linen suits casual living areas.
- Bedrooms and living areas needing daylight and privacy: a dual Roman pairs sheer and blockout layers.
- Strong Sydney sun: lining adds protection and colourfastness to light matters. Tell us the window aspect.
What to Measure and Tell Us for Each Style
Give the finished width and drop and whether the blind is inside or outside mounted, then add the details for the selected construction.
Open the style measurement guide
| Style | Tell us |
|---|---|
| Flat and pleated | Finished width and drop, mount type, and pleat size for pleated blinds. |
| Relaxed, London, Austrian, balloon | Finished width and drop, desired raised height and retained decorative drop. |
| Hobbled / waterfall | Finished width and drop, and available stack depth. |
| Dual (day and night) | Finished width and drop, and fabric and control for each layer. |
| Shaped hems and bands | Hem shape and depth, band widths and positions, ideally on a scale drawing. |
Answer-first guidance
Trade FAQ
What is the difference between relaxed, London and Austrian Roman blinds?
They are different constructions, not interchangeable names. A relaxed Roman has a soft curved lower edge, a London shade uses inverted pleats to form its swag, and an Austrian shade gathers vertically into multiple festoons. We advise on the right one for your fabric.
Which Roman blind styles use more fabric than a flat Roman?
Waterfall, balloon, pleated and the soft styles (relaxed, London and Austrian) all use more fabric than flat Roman blinds. Waterfall needs extra face fabric and gives a fuller stack, and soft styles need a different lift layout. We calculate the allowance at quote stage.
What is a hobbled or waterfall Roman blind?
A hobbled, or waterfall, Roman blind has permanent cascading folds, so it looks deeper and more upholstered even when lowered. It is the alternative to a smooth-front flat Roman. State the style on the order, because it is not made as a standard flat Roman.
What is a pleated Roman blind?
A pleated, or box-pleat, Roman blind has regular pleats across the width for a structured, tailored look. State the style on the order, because it is not made as a standard flat Roman. We confirm pleat size, fabric allowance and stack depth at quote stage.
What is the difference between a balloon blind and a Roman blind?
A Roman blind folds into flat horizontal pleats, while a balloon blind carries extra fullness that gathers into soft rounded puffs. Both are made to measure. We advise on the style that suits your fabric and room, and recommend a sewn sample for balloon styles.
What is a dual Roman blind?
A dual Roman blind has two layers on one headrail, such as a sheer and a blockout, so light can be adjusted through the day. The layers can be operated together or separately. We confirm the fabrics and controls for both layers at quote stage.
Can you make a Roman blind with a shaped hem?
Yes. We can make Roman blinds with straight, curved, scalloped or pointed hems. Send the hem shape you want, the fabric and the finished size, and we will confirm how it will sit and fold before production.
Can LuxAura make other Roman blind styles?
Yes. Beyond the styles listed here, we can make other Roman blind constructions to your specification. Send a sketch or reference photo with the fabric and finished size, and we will confirm what is possible and how it should be specified.
When should I approve a sewn sample?
We recommend a sewn sample when the fold profile is central to the design, as with relaxed, London, Austrian and waterfall styles, or when a print or border must sit correctly. Contact the trade team to discuss sample options for your project.
How should I specify a printed fabric on a Roman blind?
Approve the pattern placement at both the lowered position and the raised stack. For waterfall blinds, decide whether the print should run continuously or repeat visually through the folds. Send us the fabric and finished size and we will confirm the layout before cutting.
Can borders, bands and trims be added to a Roman blind?
Yes. Hem bands, side bands, inset borders, centre bands, horizontal bands, piping and decorative trims can be added. Agree a scale drawing before cutting so band widths stay consistent across blind sizes, and define face width, inset and finished width separately.
Can a band run down the centre or across a Roman blind?
Yes. A centre band runs down the middle of the blind, and a horizontal band runs across the width at a chosen height. We confirm the band position against the folds on a scale drawing, so it sits where you intend when the blind is raised.
What trims can be applied to a Roman blind hem?
Fringe, braid, tape and piping can be applied along the hem. Choose trims to suit the base fabric in colour, scale and care, and keep them clear of moving components. LuxAura can apply trims from its own trims range.
Which Roman blind style suits a Federation or Victorian terrace?
London and Austrian styles are often chosen for period rooms with sash windows, while a flat Roman in linen suits simpler schemes. The right choice depends on the window, the fabric and the look. Send us the room details and we will advise.
Which Roman blind constructions can be motorised?
Not every construction suits every motor. It depends on the style, size and fabric weight, and we confirm the style and motor combination at quote stage. State the style you want when you send your brief; the Motorised Roman Blinds page lists motors and size limits.
What should I measure for a London, Austrian or balloon blind?
Give the finished width and drop, the raised height you want, and the decorative drop to keep when the blind is raised. We check the stack depth against the fabric and style before cutting, and confirm the figures with you.
Can I see Roman blind styles in person in Sydney?
Yes, by appointment. Trade customers can view samples at our Alexandria address. Contact the trade team to book, and tell us which styles you would like to see so we can confirm what is available.
Specifications, lead times and warranty terms are confirmed for each order in writing. Your rights under the Australian Consumer Law are not affected.
Sydney trade support · Alexandria
Send the specification. Get a clear next step.
Tell us the product, sizes, fabric source, quantity, service requirement and target delivery date. Trade terms, minimum quantities and production timing are confirmed against your brief. To see samples, book a viewing at our Alexandria address.